Dog Protein Diet

Between fifteen and thirty percent of your dog's total calorie intake should be protein. Protein provides 25 important amino acids that your dog's body needs for healthy muscles, bones and internal organs. Dogs digest only about sixty to eighty percent of vegetable protein but about ninety percent of egg and meat protein. Things like wheat and beans are only about half as digestible as meat.

Raw and cooked meats: Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria or parasites like trichinosis or worms and although dogs have very strong stomachs they are susceptible to food poisoning and parasite induced illnesses. All meats should be thoroughly cooked to avoid these problems. Dogs love and need a good variety of meats including animal organs. Be careful with certain meats though like liver which although is very good for and enjoyed by most dogs can contain toxins and pollutants. For these reasons you should only feed it to your dog from time to time.

Eggs: Raw eggs can be the cause of some health problems for your dog and although it would take a large amount of raw eggs eaten over a long period of time to do but it is better to be safe than sorry. So it is recommended that all eggs be cooked. Eggs though, are a wonderful source of protein for your dog and should in no way be minimized from any good menu. Dogs like eggs prepared in numerous ways so don't get stuck on just one type of preparation.

Milk: Once a puppy has been weaned most vets suggest that milk be removed from their diet as they receive all their nutritional needs through other sources. Some dogs are lactose intolerant, which means that their digestive system cannot handle milk products. However if you want to feed your dog milk try giving them unpasteurized milk or goat's milk. Cultured milk products like yogurt or buttermilk are also easily digested by dogs.

Fat: Fats are an important part of a well balanced diet and are a very concentrated source of energy for your dog. Your dog may need up to thirty percent fat in his diet in order to maintain his energy levels. Fat is also important for your dog's nervous system, skin and coat. Fats also help your dog digest certain foods and vitamins. It is one hundred percent digestible.

Carbohydrates: Your dog's main source of energy is through carbohydrates, which should provide about sixty percent of your dog's calorie needs. Wheat, rice, potatoes, grains, beans and lentils contain high level complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides) which is the carbohydrate of choice. Sugar and milk sugar also contain simple carbohydrates but are nowhere near as beneficial for your dog. Dog vitamins and minerals